Navigating TSA’s New REAL ID Rules At Lubbock International Airport

Hey Lubbock flyers—if you’ve been ignoring the whole "REAL ID" thing, now’s the time to stop snoozing.

What's a REAL ID?

Starting Wednesday, TSA rules are changing, and it could make your next trip out of Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport way more stressful than it needs to be. If your driver’s license doesn’t have that little gold star in the right corner, you might want to get to the airport three hours early—because things are about to get real... slow.

Yep, REAL ID requirements are officially going into effect, and TSA isn’t playing around this time. If your license doesn’t meet the new federal standard, you’ll be subject to extra screening—and that’s if you’re even allowed through security at all.

So how do you know if you’re good to go? Flip over your Texas driver’s license. If it has a star in the top right corner, you’re golden. No star? No bueno.

What if You Don't Have a REAL ID?

You can still fly if you bring one of the following:

• A U.S. passport

• Global Entry or NEXUS card

• A permanent resident card

• A Veteran Health ID Card

• Or a foreign-issued passport

But if you don’t have any of those, you’re gonna need to visit your local DPS office and upgrade to a REAL ID as soon as possible.

What Do You Need to Get a REAL ID?

To get one, bring:

1. Proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport)

2. Proof of Social Security number

3. Two documents proving Texas residency (like a utility bill or lease)

You can schedule an appointment or check wait times at www.dps.texas.gov.

RELATED: You Can Get a New License Quickly in Slaton

So Lubbock, if you’re flying this summer—or even just daydreaming about it—don’t wait. Get that star on your license and save yourself a whole lot of airport drama.

You're welcome.